Nonaqueous electrolyte and nonaqueous secondary battery

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte that contains acetonitrile having excellent balance between viscosity and the dielectric constant and a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, wherein the generation of complex cations comprising a transition metal and acetonitrile is suppressed, excellent load characteristics are exhibited, and self-discharge during high-temperature storage is suppressed; a further purpose of the present invention is to provide a nonaqueous secondary battery. The present invention relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte which contains: a nonaqueous solvent comprising 30 to 100 vol % of acetonitrile; a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt; and a specific nitrogenous cyclic compound typified by pyridine.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte solution and a non-aqueous secondary battery.

BACKGROUND ART

The non-aqueous secondary battery including a lithium ion secondary battery has big characteristics in light weight, high energy and long life time, and thus has been widely used as a power source of various mobile electronic devices. In recent years, its application has been expanding to industrial use represented by a power tool, such as an electromotive tool, etc.; vehicle use, such as electric vehicles, electromotive bicycles, etc. It has been noticed further in a power storage field, such as a housing battery system, etc.

As an electrolyte solution for the lithium ion secondary battery operable at normal temperature, use of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is desirable in view of practical use. A combination of, for example, a highly dielectric solvent, such as a cyclic carbonate ester, and a low viscosity solvent, such as a lower linear carbonate ester, is exemplified as a general solvent. However, a normal highly-dielectric solvent has a high melting point, as well as may cause deterioration of load characteristics (rate characteristics) and low-temperature characteristics of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution depending on type of an electrolyte salt used in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

As one type of a solvent to conquer such a problem, nitrile-based solvents superior in balance between viscosity and dielectric constant have been proposed. Among them, acetonitrile has high potential as a solvent used in the electrolyte solution of the lithium ion secondary battery. However, acetonitrile has fatal defect of being reductively and electrochemically decomposed at a negative electrode, therefore exertion of practical performance has not been attained. Several improvement ideas have been proposed against this problem.

Main improvement ideas that have been proposed up to now are classified to the following three.

(1) Method for protecting negative electrode and suppressing reductive decomposition of acetonitrile by combination of specific electrolyte salt and additives, etc.

For example, in PATENT LITERATURE 1 and 2, there has been reported the electrolyte solution where influence of reductive decomposition of acetonitrile is reduced by combination of acetonitrile, as a solvent, with a specific electrolyte salt and additives. In addition, at the dawn of the lithium ion secondary battery, there has also been reported the electrolyte solution containing a solvent obtainable by only diluting acetonitrile with propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate, as in PATENT LITERATURE 3. However, in PATENT LITERATURE 3, high-temperature durability performance was judged only by evaluation of internal resistance and battery thickness after high-temperature storage, therefore information on whether it practically operates as a battery when it is placed under high-temperature environment has not been disclosed. It is very difficult to suppress reductive decomposition of the electrolyte solution containing an acetonitrile-based solvent, by measures of simple dilution only with ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate. As a suppression method for reductive decomposition of a solvent, a method for combining a plurality of electrolyte salts and additives is practical, as in PATENT LITERATURE 1 and 2.

(2) Method for suppressing reductive decomposition of acetonitrile by using negative electrode active material which occludes lithium ions at higher potential than reductive potential of acetonitrile.

For example, in PATENT LITERATURE 4, there has been reported that a battery, which avoids reductive decomposition of acetonitrile, can be obtained by using a specific metal compound in a negative electrode. However, in applications putting importance on energy density of the lithium ion secondary battery, a method for using the negative electrode active material which occludes lithium ions at lower potential than reduction potential of acetonitrile is far more advantageous, in view of potential difference. Accordingly, when the improvement ideas of PATENT LITERATURE 4 are used in such applications, they are disadvantageous because of providing a narrow usable voltage range.

(3) Method for maintaining stable liquid state by dissolving high concentration of electrolyte salt in acetonitrile.

For example, in PATENT LITERATURE 5, there has been described that reversible reaction between lithium insertion to a graphite electrode and lithium desorption from a graphite electrode is possible, by using an electrolyte solution with 4.2 mol/L of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂) dissolved in acetonitrile. In addition, in PATENT LITERATURE 6, there has been reported that a reaction between Li⁺ insertion to graphite and Li⁺ desorption from graphite was observed, and further high-rate discharge was possible, as a result of charge-discharge measurement on a cell using the electrolyte solution with 4.5 mol/L of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiN(SO₂F)₂) dissolved in acetonitrile.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [PATENT LITERATURE 1] WO 2012/057311 -   [PATENT LITERATURE 2] WO 2013/062056 -   [PATENT LITERATURE 3] JP4-351860A -   [PATENT LITERATURE 4] JP2009-21134A -   [PATENT LITERATURE 5] WO 2013/146714 -   [PATENT LITERATURE 6] JP2014-241198A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, the lithium ion secondary battery using the electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile is inferior in high-temperature durability performance, as compared with an existing lithium ion secondary battery using the electrolyte solution containing a carbonate solvent, and has not yet attained levels of commercially available products, therefore, has not been feasible.

Reason that the acetonitrile-type lithium ion secondary battery is inferior in high-temperature durability performance is considered as follows from the results of various types of verification experiments.

Under high-temperature environment, a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt decomposes while withdrawing hydrogen from methyl group of acetonitrile, and the decomposed product promotes elution of a positive electrode transition metal. A complex cation, where acetonitrile is coordinated to this eluted metal, is chemically stable, and a redox reaction of the stable complex cation possibly causes self-discharge. These phenomena proved by disassembly analysis result are newly revealed by the present inventors, which has not been described at all in PATENT LITERATURE 1 to 6.

The present invention has been proposed in view of such circumstances. Accordingly, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a non-aqueous electrolyte solution that contains acetonitrile, having excellent balance between viscosity and dielectric constant, and a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, wherein generation of complex cations comprising a transition metal and acetonitrile can be suppressed, excellent load characteristics can be exhibited, as well as self-discharge during high-temperature storage can be suppressed; and a non-aqueous secondary battery comprising the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

Solution to Problem

The present inventors have intensively studied to solve the problems. As a result, they have discovered that generation of complex cations comprising a transition metal and acetonitrile can be suppressed, excellent load characteristics can be exhibited, as well as self-discharge during high-temperature storage can be suppressed, in the case where a specific nitrogen-containing cyclic compound is further contained as additives, even in a non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile as a non-aqueous solvent, and thus the present invention has been completed.

Accordingly, the present invention has the following constitutions.

[1] The non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprising

the non-aqueous solvent having 30 to 100% by volume of acetonitrile;

the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt; and

a compound represented by following general formula (1)

{wherein substituents represented by R¹, R², and R³ are each independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl group, cyclohexyl group, nitrile group, nitro group, amino group, N,N′-dimethylamino group, or N,N′-diethylamino group, and two or more among the substituents are hydrogen atoms.]. [2] The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to [1], wherein the compound represented by general formula (1) above is at least one compound selected from a group consisting of pyridine and 4-(tert-butyl)pyridine. [3] The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to [1] or [2], wherein content of the compound represented by general formula (1) above is 0.01 to 10% by mass, relative to the total amount of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. [4] The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt contains LiPF₆. [5] The non-aqueous secondary battery comprising:

a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector;

a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of the current collector; and

the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to any one of [1] to [4].

[6] The non-aqueous secondary battery according to [5], wherein the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, and

ratio of the entire area of the surface of the side of the negative electrode active material layer opposing to the positive electrode active material layer, relative to the area of the region where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, is larger than 1.0 and below 1.1.

Advantageous Effect of Invention

According to the present invention, the non-aqueous electrolyte solution that contains acetonitrile, having excellent balance between viscosity and the dielectric constant, and the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, wherein generation of complex cations comprising a transition metal and acetonitrile can be suppressed, excellent load characteristics can be exhibited, and self-discharge during high-temperature storage can be suppressed; and the non-aqueous secondary battery comprising the non-aqueous electrolyte solution can be provided.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing one example of the non-aqueous secondary battery in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A line of the non-aqueous secondary battery of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a drawing explaining “width of a non-opposing part of a negative electrode active material layer” in a laminated electrode structure.

FIG. 4 is a drawing explaining “width of a non-opposing part of a negative electrode active material layer” in a wound-type electrode structure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view explaining a positive electrode for a battery.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view explaining a negative electrode for a battery.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Explanation will be given in detail below on embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereafter it is referred to simply as “the present embodiment”). Numerical value range described using “-- to --” in the present description should include numerical values before and after “to”.

The non-aqueous electrolyte solution of the present embodiment (hereafter it is also referred to simply as “the electrolyte solution”) comprises a non-aqueous solvent having 30 to 100% by volume of acetonitrile; a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt; and a compound represented by following general formula (1):

(wherein substituents represented by R¹, R², and R³ are each independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl group, cyclohexyl group, nitrile group, nitro group, amino group, N,N′-dimethylamino group, or N,N′-diethylamino group, and among the substituents, two or more are hydrogen atoms.} <1. Total Configuration of Non-Aqueous Secondary Battery>

The electrolyte solution of the present embodiment can be used, for example, in a non-aqueous secondary battery. The non-aqueous secondary battery of the present embodiment includes, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery comprising:

a positive electrode containing a positive electrode material which is capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions, as a positive electrode active material, and

a negative electrode containing at least one negative electrode material selected from a group consisting of a material which is capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions, and a metal lithium, as a negative electrode active material.

The non-aqueous secondary battery of the present embodiment may be specifically the non-aqueous secondary battery shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the non-aqueous secondary battery, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the A-A line of FIG. 1.

The non-aqueous secondary battery 1 accommodates a laminated electrode structure in which the positive electrode 5 and negative electrode 6 are laminated via a separator 7, and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution (not shown), within a battery outer package 2 composed of two sheets of aluminum laminated films. The battery outer package 2 is sealed by heat sealing upper and lower aluminum laminated films at the outer peripheral part thereof. The laminated structure, where the positive electrode 5, the separator and the negative electrode 6 are laminated in this order, is impregnated with the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. However, in FIG. 2, each layer composing the battery outer package 2, along with each layer of the positive electrode 5 and negative electrode 6 are not shown in distinction, to avoid a complicated drawing.

The aluminum laminated film composing the battery outer package 2 is preferably a film coated with a polyolefin-based resin on both surfaces of a sheet of aluminum-foil.

The positive electrode 5 is connected with the positive electrode external terminal 3 via a lead structure inside the battery 1. The negative electrode 6 is also connected with the negative electrode external terminal 4 via the lead structure inside the battery 1, although not shown. The positive electrode external terminal 3 and the negative electrode external terminal 4 are each pulled out of the battery outer package 2 at one terminal side, so as to be connectable with an external device, etc., and an ionomer part thereof is heat sealed together with one side of the battery outer package 2.

The non-aqueous secondary battery 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has the laminated electrode structure in which the positive electrode 5 and negative electrode 6 are each one sheet. However, lamination number of the positive electrode 5 and negative electrode 6 may be increased as appropriate depending on capacity designing. In the case of the laminated electrode structure having a plurality of the positive electrode 5 and a plurality of the negative electrode 6, both tabs at the same electrode may be joined together by welding etc., and then may be joined to one lead structure by welding, etc., and may be pulled out of a battery. As the tabs at the same electrode, an aspect composed of an exposed part of the current collector, or an aspect composed of a metal piece welded at the exposed part of the current collector, etc., is possible.

The positive electrode 5 is composed of the positive electrode active material layer prepared from a positive-electrode mixture, and the positive electrode current collector. The negative electrode 6 is composed of the negative electrode active material layer prepared from a negative-electrode mixture, and the negative electrode current collector. The positive electrode 5 and negative electrode 6 are arranged so that the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other via the separator 7.

Hereafter there may be the cases that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are collectively abbreviated as “the electrode”, the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer as “the electrode active material layer”, the positive electrode mixture and the negative electrode mixture as “the electrode mixture”.

As for each member of these, a material equipped in a conventional lithium ion secondary battery may be used, as long as it satisfies each requirement in the present embodiment, and may be, for example, a material described later. Explanation will be given in detail below on each member of the non-aqueous secondary battery.

<2. Electrolyte Solution>

The electrolyte solution of the present embodiment contains the non-aqueous solvent (hereafter it may also be simply referred to as “the solvent”), the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, and the compound represented by general formula (1) above (the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound). The fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt is not sufficient in heat stability, as well as has property of easily generating lithium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride by hydrolysis caused by trace amount of moisture in the solvent, although it is superior in ion conductivity. Decomposition of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt decreases ion conductivity of the electrolyte solution containing the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, as well as may cause fatally adverse influence on a battery, such as corrosion of a material of the electrode, the current collector, etc., or decomposition of the solvent, by the lithium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride generated.

It is preferable that the electrolyte solution in the present embodiment does not contain moisture, however, it may contain negligibly trace amount of moisture within a range in which it does not inhibit the present invention from solving the problem. Such a content of moisture is preferably 0 to 100 ppm, relative to total amount of the electrolyte solution.

<2-1. Non-Aqueous Solvent>

Acetonitrile has high ion conductivity and is capable of increasing diffusibility of lithium ions inside a battery. Accordingly, when the electrolyte solution contains acetonitrile, and in particular, even at the positive electrode where loading amount of the positive electrode active material is increased by thickening the positive electrode active material layer, lithium ions can be diffused well as far as a region near the current collector, where lithium ions are difficult to reach in discharge under high load. Accordingly, sufficient capacity can be brought out even in discharge under high load, and such a non-aqueous secondary battery superior in load characteristics is attainable.

Because ion conductivity of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is enhanced, as described above, by using acetonitrile in the non-aqueous solvent of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, rapid charge characteristics of the non-aqueous secondary battery can also be enhanced. In constant current (CC)-constant voltage (CV) charging of the non-aqueous secondary battery, capacity per unit time in CC charging period is larger than charge capacity per unit time in CV charging period. In the case of using acetonitrile as the non-aqueous solvent of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, a region capable of CC charging can be larger (CC charging time can be longer), as well as charge current can also be higher, resulting in significant reduction in time from charging start to attainment of a full charged state of the non-aqueous secondary battery.

The non-aqueous solvent is not especially limited, as long as it contains acetonitrile in 30 to 100% by volume, relative to total amount of the non-aqueous solvent, and other non-aqueous solvent may be contained or may not be contained.

“The non-aqueous solvent” referred to in the present embodiment means a component excluding the lithium salt and the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound from the electrolyte solution, i.e., when a solvent, the lithium salt and the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound, together with electrode protection additives, described later, are contained in the electrolyte solution, the solvent together with the electrode protection additives are referred to collectively as “the non-aqueous solvent”. The lithium salt and the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound, described later, are not implied in the non-aqueous solvent.

The other non-aqueous solvents include alcohols, for example, methanol, ethanol, etc.; an aprotic solvent, etc., and among them, the aprotic solvent is preferable.

Among the other non-aqueous solvents, a specific example of the aprotic solvent includes, for example, a cyclic carbonate represented by ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, 1,2-butylene carbonate, trans-2,3-butylene carbonate, cis-2,3-butylene carbonate, 1,2-pentylene carbonate, trans-2,3-pentylene carbonate, cis-2,3-pentylene carbonate, and vinylene carbonate; a cyclic fluorinated carbonate represented by fluoroethylene carbonate, 1,2-difluoroethylene carbonate, and trifluoromethylethylene carbonate; a lactone represented by γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, γ-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, δ-caprolactone, and ε-caprolactone; a sulfur compound represented by sulfolane, dimethylsulfoxide, and ethylene glycol sulfite; a cyclic ether represented by tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, and 1,3-dioxane; a linear carbonate represented by ethyl methyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, methyl isopropyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methyl butyl carbonate, dibutyl carbonate, ethyl propyl carbonate, and methyl trifluoroethyl carbonate; a linear fluorinated carbonate represented by trifluorodimethyl carbonate, trifluorodiethyl carbonate, and trifluoroethyl methyl carbonate;

a mononitrile represented by propionitrile, butyronitrile, valeronitrile, benzonitrile, and acrylonitrile; an alkoxy group-substituted nitrile represented by methoxyacetonitrile and 3-methoxypropionitrile; a dinitrile represented by malononitrile, succinonitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile, 1,4-dicyanoheptane, 1,5-dicyanopentane, 1,6-dicyanohexane, 1,7-dicyanoheptane, 2,6-dicyanoheptane, 1,8-dicyanooctane, 2,7-dicyanooctane, 1,9-dicyanononane, 2,8-dicyanononane, 1,10-dicyanodecane, 1,6-dicyanodecane, and 2,4-dimethylglutaronitrile; a cyclic nitrile represented by benzonitrile; a linear ester represented by methyl propionate; a linear ether represented by dimethoxyethane, diethyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane, diglyme, triglyme, and tetraglyme; a fluorinated ether represented by Rf⁴—OR⁵ (wherein Rf⁴ is an alkyl group containing fluorine, R⁵ is an organic group which may contain fluorine); ketones represented by acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone, and as well as, halides represented by fluorinated compounds thereof. These may be used as one type alone, or as two or more types in combination.

Among the other non-aqueous solvents, it is preferable that one or more types of the cyclic carbonate and the linear carbonate may be used with acetonitrile. Here, only one type of those exemplified ones may be selected and used, as the cyclic carbonate and the linear carbonate, or two or more types (for example, two or more types of the exemplified cyclic carbonates, two or more types of the exemplified linear carbonates, or two or more types composed of one or more types of the exemplified cyclic carbonates and one or more types of the exemplified linear carbonates) may be used. Among them, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate, or fluoroethylene carbonate is more preferable as the cyclic carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, or diethyl carbonate is more preferable as the linear carbonate. In addition, it is further preferable to use the cyclic carbonate.

Acetonitrile tends reductively and electrochemically decompose. Therefore, it is preferable to carry out at least one of mixing acetonitrile with other solvent, and adding the electrode protection additives for protective coating film formation to acetonitrile.

It is preferable that the non-aqueous solvent contains one or more types of cyclic aprotic polar solvents, and more preferably contains one or more types of cyclic carbonates, in order to increase ionization degree of the lithium salt, which contributes to charge-discharge of the non-aqueous secondary battery.

Content of acetonitrile is 30 to 100% by volume, and 35% by volume or more is preferable, and 40% by volume or more is further preferable, relative to total amount of the non-aqueous solvent. It is preferable that this value is 85% by volume or less, and further preferable 66% by volume or less. When content of acetonitrile is 30% by volume or more, there is tendency that ion conductivity increases and high rate characteristics can be exerted, and still more dissolution of lithium salts can be accelerated. When content of acetonitrile in the non-aqueous solvent is within the above range, there is tendency that storage characteristics and other electrical characteristics can be further improved, while maintaining superior performance of acetonitrile.

<2-2. Lithium Salt>

The lithium salt in the present embodiment is characterized by containing the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt. “The fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt” means such a lithium salt that does not contain carbon atom in the anion, but contains fluorine atom in the anion, and is soluble to acetonitrile. “The inorganic lithium salt” means such a lithium salt that does not contain carbon atom in the anion, and is soluble to acetonitrile. “The organic lithium salt” means such a lithium salt that that contains carbon atom in the anion, and is soluble to acetonitrile.

The fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt in the present embodiment forms a passive film on the surface of a metal foil, which is the positive electrode current collector, and suppresses corrosion of the positive electrode current collector. This fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt is superior also in view of solubility, conductivity and ionization degree. Therefore, it is essentially necessary for the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt added as the lithium salt. A specific example of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt includes, for example, LiPF₆, LiBF₄, LiAsF₆, Li₂SiF₆, LiSbF₆, Li₂B₁₂F_(b)H_(12-b) (wherein b is an integer of 0 to 3, and preferably an integer of 1 to 3), LiN(SO₂F)₂, etc.

These fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salts may be used alone as one type, or two or more types in combination. As the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, compounds, which are double salts of LiF and Lewis acid, are desirable, and among them, use of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt having phosphorus atom is more preferable, because free fluorine atom tends released more easily, and LiPF₆ is particularly preferable. Use of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt having boron atom, as the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt, is preferable, because excess free acid components, which could incur battery deterioration, tends to be captured more easily, and LiBF₄ is particularly preferable from such a view point.

Content of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt in the electrolyte solution of the present embodiment is not especially limited. However, this value is preferably 0.2 mol or more, more preferably 0.5 mol or more, and further preferably 0.8 mol or more, relative to 1 L of the non-aqueous solvent. This value is preferably 15 mol or less, more preferably 4 mol or less, and further preferably 2.8 mol or less, relative to 1 L of the non-aqueous solvent. When content of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt is within the above range, there is tendency that ion conductivity increases and high rate characteristics can be exerted, and storage characteristics and other electrical characteristics can be further improved, while maintaining superior performance of acetonitrile.

As the lithium salt in the present embodiment, a lithium salt which is generally used in the non-aqueous secondary battery may be secondarily added, other than the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt. A specific example of the other lithium salt includes, for example, an inorganic lithium salt in which fluorine is not contained as an anion, such as LiClO₄, LiAlO₄, LiAlCl₄, LiB₁₀Cl₁₀, Li chloroborane, etc.; an organic lithium salt, such as LiCF₃SO₃, LiCF₃CO₂, Li₂CF₄(SO₃)₂, LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃, LiC_(n)F_(2n+1)SO₃ (n≥2), a Li lower aliphatic carboxylate, Li tetraphenylborate, etc.; an organic lithium salt represented by LiN(SO₂C_(m)F_(2m+1)), [wherein m is an integer of 1 to 8], such as LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂, LiN(SO₂C₂F₅)₂, etc.; an organic lithium salt represented by LiPF_(n)(C_(p)F_(2p+1))_(6-n) [wherein n is an integer of 1 to 5, and p is an integer of 1 to 8], such as LiPF₅(CF₃), etc.; an organic lithium salt represented by LiBF_(q)(C_(s)F_(2s+1))_(4-q) [wherein q is an integer of 1 to 3, and s is an integer of 1 to 8], such as LiBF₃(CF₃), etc.; lithium bis(oxalato) borate (LiBOB) represented by LiB(C₂O₄)₂; a halogenated LiBOB; lithium oxalato difluoroborate (LiODFB) represented by LiBF₂(C₂O₄); lithium bis(malonate) borate (LiBMB) represented by LiB(C₃O₄H₂)₂; an organic lithium salt, such as lithium tetrafluoro oxalato phosphate represented by LiPF₄(C₂O₄), lithium difluoro bis(oxalato) phosphate represented by LiPF₂(C₂O₄)₂, etc.; a lithium salt bonded with a polyvalent anion; organic lithium salts each represented by the following general formulae (2a), (2b), and (2c): LiC(SO₂R⁶)(SO₂R⁷)(SO₂R⁸)  (2a) LiN(SO₂OR⁹)(SO₂OR¹⁰)  (2b) LiN(SO₂R¹¹)(SO₂OR¹²)  (2c) {wherein R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, and R¹² may each be different or the same, and represent a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.}, and among them, one type, or two or more types may be used together with the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt.

It is preferable to add secondarily an organic lithium salt having oxalate group to the electrolyte solution, so as to improve load characteristics and charge-discharge cycle characteristics of the non-aqueous secondary battery, and it is particularly preferable to add one or more types selected from a group consisting of LiB(C₂O₄)₂, LiBF₂(C₂O₄), LiPF₄(C₂O₄) and LiPF₂(C₂O₄)₂. This organic lithium salt having oxalate group may be contained in a negative electrode (the negative electrode active material layer), other than added to the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

Addition amount of the organic lithium salt having oxalate group to the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is preferably 0.005 mole or more, more preferably 0.02 mole or more, and further preferably 0.05 mole or more, as amount per 1 L of the non-aqueous solvent of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, in view of ensuring effect of use thereof in a better state. However, excessively more amount of the organic lithium salt having oxalate group in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution could cause deposition. Accordingly, addition amount of the organic lithium salt having oxalate group to the non-aqueous electrolyte solution is preferably less than 1.0 mole, more preferably less than 0.5 mole, and further preferably less than 0.2 mole, as amount per 1 L of the non-aqueous solvent of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

<2-3. Electrode Protection Additives>

In the electrolyte solution in the present embodiment, additives for protecting an electrode may be contained other than the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound. In addition, as described above, when the electrolyte solution contains the electrode protection additives, because the electrode protection additives are contained in the non-aqueous solvent, 30 to 100% by volume of acetonitrile may be contained, relative to the non-aqueous solvent containing the electrode protection additives (total amount of the non-aqueous solvent and the electrode protection additives) in the electrolyte solution.

The electrode protection additives are not especially limited, as long as not inhibiting the solution to problem by the present invention. The additives may be substantially duplicated with a substance carrying a role as a solvent for dissolving the lithium salt (i.e., the non-aqueous solvent). It is preferable that the electrode protection additives are substances contributing to performance enhancement of the electrolyte solution and the non-aqueous secondary battery in the present embodiment, however, such a substance may be encompassed that does not participate directly to an electrochemical reaction.

Specific examples of the electrode protective additives include, for example, a fluoroethylene carbonate represented by 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 4,4-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, cis-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, trans-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 4,4,5-trifluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 4,4,5,5-tetrafluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, and 4,4,5-trifluoro-5-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one; an unsaturated bond-containing cyclic carbonate represented by vinylene carbonate, 4,5-dimethylvinylene carbonate, and vinylethylene carbonate; a lactone represented by γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, γ-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, δ-caprolactone, and ε-caprolactone; a cyclic ether represented by 1,4-dioxane; a cyclic sulfur compound represented by ethylene sulfite, propylene sulfite, butylene sulfite, pentene sulfite, sulfolane, 3-methyl sulfolane, 1,3-propane sultone, 1,4-butane sultone, and tetramethylene sulfoxide. These may be used as one type alone, or as two or more types in combination.

Acetonitrile, which is one component of the non-aqueous solvent, tends to be reductively and electrochemically decomposed, therefore, it is preferable that the non-aqueous solvent containing acetonitrile contains one or more types of cyclic aprotic polar solvents, as additives for protection film formation to the negative electrode, and more preferable to contain one or more types of unsaturated bond-containing cyclic carbonates.

Content of the electrode protection additives in the electrolyte solution in the present embodiment is not especially limited. However, content of the electrode protection additives is preferably 0.1 to 30% by volume, more preferably 2 to 20% by volume, and further preferably 5 to 15% by volume, relative to total amount of the non-aqueous solvent.

In the present embodiment, the higher content of the electrode protection additives is, the more deterioration of the electrolyte solution can be suppressed. However, the lower content of the electrode protection additives enhances high rate characteristics the more under low-temperature environment of the non-aqueous secondary battery. Therefore, by adjusting content of the electrode protection additives within the above range, there is tendency that superior performance based on high ion conductivity of the electrolyte solution can be exerted at the maximum, without impairing fundamental function as the non-aqueous secondary battery. By preparing the electrolyte solution in such a composition, there is tendency that a further good state of all of cycling performance, high rate characteristics under low temperature environment, and other battery performances of the non-aqueous secondary battery can be attained.

<2-4. Nitrogen-Containing Cyclic Compound>

The electrolyte solution in the present embodiment is characterized by containing the compound (nitrogen-containing cyclic compound) represented by following general formula (1), as the additives:

{wherein substituents represented by R¹, R², and R³ are each independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl group, cyclohexyl group, nitrile group, nitro group, amino group, N,N′-dimethylamino group, or N,N′-diethylamino group, and two or more among these substituents are hydrogen atoms.}.

A specific example of the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound includes, for example, pyridine, 2-methylpyridine, 3-methylpyridine, 4-methylpyridine, 2-ethylpyridine, 3-ethylpyridine, 4-ethylpyridine, 2-(n-propyl)pyridine, 3-(n-propyl)pyridine, 4-(n-propyl)pyridine, 2-isopropylpyridine, 3-isopropylpyridine, 4-isopropylpyridine, 2-(n-butyl)pyridine, 3-(n-butyl)pyridine, 4-(n-butyl)pyridine, 2-(1-methylpropyl)pyridine, 3-(1-methylpropyl)pyridine, 4-(1-methylpropyl)pyridine, 2-(2-methylpropyl)pyridine, 3-(2-methylpropyl)pyridine, 4-(2-methylpropyl)pyridine, 2-(tert-butyl)pyridine, 3-(tert-butyl)pyridine, 4-(tert-butyl)pyridine, 2-trifluoromethylpyridine, 3-trifluoromethylpyridine, 4-trifluoromethylpyridine, (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyridine, 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyridine, 4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)pyridine, 2-(pentafluoroethyl)pyridine, 3-(pentafluoroethyl)pyridine, 4-(pentafluoroethyl)pyridine, 2-methoxypyridine, 3-methoxypyridine, 4-methoxypyridine, 2-ethoxypyridine, 3-ethoxypyridine, 4-ethoxypyridine, 2-(n-propoxy)pyridine, 3-(n-propoxy)pyridine, 4-(n-propoxy)pyridine, 2-isopropoxypyridine, 3-isopropoxypyridine, 4-isopropoxypyridine, 2-(n-butoxy)pyridine, 3-(n-butoxy)pyridine, 4-(n-butoxy)pyridine, 2-(1-methylpropoxy)pyridine, 3-(1-methylpropoxy)pyridine, 4-(1-methylpropoxy)pyridine, 2-(2-methylpropoxy)pyridine, 3-(2-methylpropoxy)pyridine, 4-(2-methylpropoxy)pyridine, 2-trifluoromethoxypyridine, 3-trifluoromethoxypyridine, 4-trifluoromethoxypyridine, 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine, 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine, 4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine, 2-phenylpyridine, 3-phenylpyridine, 4-phenylpyridine, 2-cyclohexylpyridine, 3-cyclohexylpyridine, 4-cyclohexylpyridine, 2-cyanopyridine, 3-cyanopyridine, 4-cyanopyridine, 2-aminopyridine, 3-aminopyridine, 4-aminopyridine, 2-(N,N′-dimethylamino)pyridine, 3-(N,N′-dimethylamino)pyridine, 4-(N,N′-dimethylamino)pyridine, 2-(N,N′-diethylamino)pyridine, 3-(N,N′-diethylamino)pyridine, and 4-(N,N′-diethylamino)pyridine. These may be used as one type alone, or as two or more types in combination.

It is desirable that there is no steric hindrance present at the peripheral of nitrogen atom in the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound, when using a compound, which is a double salt of LiF and Lewis acid, as the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt. Accordingly, it is preferable that R¹ in general formula (1) above is hydrogen atom, and it is more preferable that both of R¹ and R² are hydrogen atoms. When both of R¹ and R² in general formula (1) above are hydrogen atoms, it is particularly preferable that R³ in general formula (1) above is hydrogen atom or tert-butyl group, in view of electronic effect exerted on a non-conjugated electron pair present on nitrogen atom. Generation of complex cations comprising a transition metal and acetonitrile can be suppressed, excellent load characteristics can be exhibited, and self-discharge during high-temperature storage can be suppressed, when the electrolyte solution in the present embodiment contains the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound represented by general formula (1) above, as additives in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile having superior balance between viscosity and, dielectric constant, and the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt. Content of the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound in the electrolyte solution of the present embodiment is not especially limited, however, it is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 5% by mass, and further preferably 0.05 to 3% by mass, based on the total amount of the electrolyte solution.

In the present embodiment, by adjusting content of the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound within the above range, a reaction on the electrode surface can be suppressed, without impairing fundamental function as the non-aqueous secondary battery, therefore increase in internal resistance associated with charge-discharge can be suppressed.

By preparing the electrolyte solution in such a composition as above, there is tendency that a further good state of all of cycling performance, high rate characteristics under low temperature environment, and other battery performances of the non-aqueous secondary battery can be attained.

<2-5. Other Optional Additives>

In the present embodiment, with the object of improving charge-discharge cycle characteristics, enhancement of high-temperature storability, safety (for example, overcharge prevention, etc.), etc., of the non-aqueous secondary battery, optional additives selected from, for example, an acid anhydride, a sulfonate ester, diphenyl disulfide, cyclohexylbenzene, biphenyl, fluorobenzene, tert-butylbenzene, a phosphate ester, [e.g., ethyl diethyl phosphono acetate (EDPA): (C₂H₅O)₂(P═O)—CH₂(C═O)OC₂H₅, tris(trifluoroethyl) phosphate (TFEP): (CF₃CH₂O)₃P═O, triphenyl phosphate (TPP): (C₆H₅O)₃P═O, etc.], etc., and derivatives of each of these compounds may also be appropriately contained in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. Particularly, the phosphate ester has effect of suppressing a side reaction during storage, and is thus effective.

<3. Positive Electrode>

The positive electrode 5 is composed of the positive electrode active material layer 5A prepared from the positive electrode mixture, and the positive electrode current collector 5B. The positive electrode 5 is not especially limited, as long as being the one acting as the positive electrode of the non-aqueous secondary battery, and may be the known one.

The positive electrode active material layer 5A contains the positive electrode active material, and if needed, further contains a conductive auxiliary agent and a binder.

It is preferable that the positive electrode active material layer 5A contains a material capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions, as the positive electrode active material. It is preferable that the positive electrode active material layer 5A contains the conductive auxiliary agent and the binder, as needed, together with the positive electrode active material. Using such a material is preferable, because it has tendency of enabling to acquire high voltage and high energy density.

The positive electrode active material includes, for example, a lithium-containing compound each represented by the following general formulae (3a) and (3b): Li_(x)MO₂  (3a) Li_(y)M₂O₄  (3b) {wherein M represents one or more types of metal elements containing at least one type of a transition metal element, x represents number of 0 to 1.1, and y represents number of 0 to 2.}, and the other lithium-containing compound.

The lithium-containing compounds represented by each of general formulae (3a) and (3b) include, for example, lithium/cobalt oxide represented by LiCoO₂; lithium/manganese oxide represented by LiMnO₂, LiMn₂O₄, and Li₂Mn₂O₄; lithium/nickel oxide represented by LiNiO₂; a lithium-containing composite metal oxide represented by Li_(z)MO₂ (M contains at least one type of transition metal elements selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, and, represents two or more types of metal elements selected from Ni, Mn, Co, Al, and Mg, and z represents number over 0.9, and less than 1.2), etc.

A lithium-containing compound other than the lithium-containing compounds each represented by general formulae (3a) and (3b) is not especially limited, as long as it contains lithium. Such a lithium-containing compound includes, for example, a composite oxide containing lithium and a transition metal element; a metal chalcogenide having lithium; a phosphate-metal compound having lithium and a transition metal element; and a silicate-metal compound having lithium and a transition metal element (for example, Li_(t)M_(u)SiO₄, wherein M has the same definition as that in general formula (3a), t represents number of 0 to 1, and u represents number of 0 to 2). From the standpoint of obtaining higher voltage, as such a lithium-containing compound, in particular, the composite oxide containing lithium and at least one type of transition metal elements selected from the group consisting of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cupper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), and titanium (Ti); and the phosphate-metal compound are preferable.

As the lithium-containing compound, more specifically, the composite oxide containing lithium and a transition metal element, or the metal chalcogenide having lithium and a transition metal element, and the phosphate-metal compound having lithium are more preferable, including, for example, the compounds each represented by general formulae (4a) and (4b) Li_(v)M^(I)D₂  (4a): Li_(w)M^(II)PO₄  (4b) {wherein D represents oxygen or a chalcogen element, M^(I) and M^(II) each represent one or more types of transition metal elements, value of v and w are different depending on a charge-discharge state of a battery, v represents number of 0.05 to 1.10, and w represents number of 0.05 to 1.10.}.

The lithium-containing compound represented by general formula (4a) above has a layer-like structure, and the compound represented by general formula (4b) above has an olivine structure. With the object of stabilizing the structure, etc., these lithium-containing compounds may be the one in which a part of the transition metal elements is substituted with Al, Mg, or other transition metal element, the one in which these metal elements are contained in grain boundaries, the one in which a part of oxygen atom is substituted with fluorine atom etc., the one in which at least a part of the surface of the positive electrode active material is covered with other positive electrode active material, etc.

The positive electrode active material in the present embodiment may use only such a lithium-containing compound as above, and may use other positive electrode active materials in combination with the lithium-containing compound.

The other positive electrode active material includes, for example, a metal oxide having a tunnel structure and a layer-like structure, or the metal chalcogenide; sulfur; a conductive polymer, etc. The metal oxide having the tunnel structure and the layer-like structure, or the metal chalcogenide includes, for example, an oxide, sulfide, selenide, etc., of a metal other than lithium, represented by MnO₂, FeO₂, FeS₂, V₂O₅, V₆O₁₃, TiO₂, TiS₂, MoS₂, and NbSe₂. The conductive polymer is represented by, for example, polyaniline, polythiophene, polyacethylene, and polypyrrol.

The other positive electrode active material may be used as one type alone, or as two or more types in combination, and is not especially limited. However, it is preferable that the positive electrode active material layer contains at least one type of transition metal elements selected from Ni, Mn and Co, since they reversibly and stably enable occlusion and release of lithium ions, and achieve high energy density.

When the lithium-containing compound and other positive electrode active material are used in combination, as the positive electrode active materials, use ratio of the lithium-containing compound is preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 85% by mass or more, relative to the total parts of the positive electrode active material including the lithium-containing compound and the other positive electrode active material.

The conductive auxiliary agent includes, for example, graphite, carbon black represented by acetylene black, and Ketjen black, as well as carbon fiber. Containing ratio of the conductive auxiliary agent is preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 1 to 5 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of positive electrode active material.

The binder includes, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylic acid, styrene-butadiene rubber, and fluorocarbon-rubber. Containing ratio of the binder is preferably 6 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 to 4 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the positive electrode active material.

The positive electrode active material layer 5A is formed by coating the positive electrode mixture-containing slurry, in which the positive electrode mixture, obtained by mixing the positive electrode active material and, if necessary, the conductive auxiliary agent and the binder, are dispersed in a solvent, to the positive electrode current collector 5B, drying it (i.e., removal of solvent), and pressing it if necessary. Such a solvent is not especially limited, and the conventionally known one can be used, including, for example, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, water, etc.

The positive electrode current collector 5B is composed of a metal foil, for example, an aluminum foil, a nickel foil, a stainless foil, etc. The positive electrode current collector 5B may be carbon coated on the surface, or may be fabricated to a mesh-like structure. Thickness of the positive electrode current collector 5B is preferably 5 to 40 μm, more preferably 7 to 35 μm, and further preferably 9 to 30 μm.

<4. Negative Electrode>

The negative electrode 6 is composed of the negative electrode active material layer 6A prepared, from the negative electrode mixture, and the negative electrode current collector 6B. The negative electrode 6 is not especially limited, as long as it functions as the negative electrode of the non-aqueous secondary battery, and may be the known one.

In view of capability of increasing battery voltage, it is preferable that the negative electrode active material layer 6A contains a material in which lithium ions can be occluded at a potential less than 0.4 V vs. Li/Li⁺, as the negative electrode active material. It is preferable that the negative electrode active material layer 6A contains the conductive auxiliary agent and the binder, if necessary, together with the negative electrode active material.

The negative electrode active material includes, for example, metal lithium, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, a lithium alloy, a tin alloy, a silicon alloy, an intermetallic compound, an organic compound, an inorganic compound, a metal complex, an organic polymer compound, etc., other than carbon materials represented by amorphous carbon (hard carbon), artificial graphite, natural graphite, graphite, pyrolytic carbon, coke, glassy carbon, a baked product of an organic polymer compound, meso carbon microbeads, carbon fiber, activated carbon, graphite, carbon colloid, and carbon black.

The negative electrode active material may be used as one type alone, or as two or more types in combination.

The conductive auxiliary agent includes graphite, carbon black, represented by, for example, acetylene black and Ketjen black, as well as carbon fiber. It is preferable that containing ratio of the conductive auxiliary agent is 20 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the negative electrode active material.

The binder includes, for example, PVDF, PTFE, polyacrylic acid, styrene-butadiene rubber, and fluorocarbon rubber. It is preferable that containing ratio of the binder is 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 to 6 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the negative electrode active material.

The negative electrode active material layer 6 A is formed by coating the negative electrode mixture-containing slurry, in which the negative electrode mixture obtained by mixing the negative electrode active material and, if necessary, the conductive auxiliary agent and the binder are dispersed in a solvent, to the negative electrode current collector 6B, drying it (i.e., removal of solvent), and pressing it if necessary. The solvent is not especially limited, and the conventionally known one may be used. It includes, for example, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, water, etc.

The negative electrode current collector 6B is composed of a metallic foil, for example, a cupper foil, a nickel foil, a stainless foil, etc. In addition, the negative electrode current collector 6B may be carbon coated on the surface, and may be fabricated into a mesh shape. Thickness of the negative electrode current collector 6B is preferably 5 to 40 μm, more preferably 6 to 35 μm, and further preferably 7 to 30 μm.

<5. Separator>

It is preferable that the non-aqueous secondary battery 1 in the present embodiment is equipped with a separator 7 between the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6, in view of imparting safety, such as prevention of short circuit between the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6, shut down, etc. As the separator 7, the same as being used in a known non-aqueous secondary battery may be used, and an insulating thin film having high ion transmittance and superior mechanical strength is preferable. The separator 7 includes, for example, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, a microporous membrane made of a synthetic resin, etc., and among them, the microporous membrane made of the synthetic resin is preferable.

As the microporous membrane made of the synthetic resin, a polyolefin-based microporous membrane, such as the microporous membrane containing, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene, as a main component, or the microporous membrane containing, for example, both of these polyolefins, as the main components, is suitably used. The non-woven fabric includes a porous membrane, for example, made of glass, made of ceramics, made of a heat resistant resin, such as a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, a liquid crystalline polyester, an aramide, etc.

The separator 7 may be the one composed of a single layer of or a multi-layer lamination of one type of the microporous membrane, or the one laminated two or more types of the microporous membranes. The separator 7 may be the one composed of a single layer or a multi-layer lamination using a mixed resin material obtained by melt kneading two or more types of resin materials.

<6. Battery Outer Package>

Composition of a battery outer package 2 of the non-aqueous secondary battery 1 in the present embodiment is not especially limited, however, for example, either of the battery outer package of a battery can and an outer packaging structure using laminated film can be used. As the battery can, a metal can, for example, made of steel or aluminum can be used. As the outer packaging structure using laminated film, for example, a laminated film composed of three-layer composition of a molten resin/a metal film/a resin can be used.

The outer packaging structure using laminated film can be used as the outer packaging structure in such a state that the two sheets of molten resin sides are laminated facing inside, or the molten resin side is folded so as to attain a state facing inside, and the end parts are in a encapsulated state by heat seal. In using the outer packaging structure using laminated film, a positive electrode lead structure 3 (or a positive electrode terminal and a lead tab connecting with the positive electrode terminal) may be connected to the positive electrode current collector 5B, and a negative electrode lead structure 4 (or a negative electrode terminal and a lead tab connecting with the negative electrode terminal) may be connected to the negative electrode current collector 6B. In this case, the outer packaging structure using laminated film may be encapsulated in such a state that terminal parts of the positive electrode lead structure 3 and the negative electrode lead structure 4 (or the lead tab connected to each of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal) are pulled out to the external part of the outer packaging structure.

<7. Preparation Method for Battery>

The non-aqueous secondary battery 1 in the present embodiment is prepared by a known method, using the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, the positive electrode 5 having the positive electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of the current collector, the negative electrode 6 having the negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of the current collector, and the battery outer package 2, as well as the separator 7, as needed.

Firstly, a laminated structure made of the positive electrode 5, the negative electrode 6, as well as the separator 7, as needed, is formed.

For example, the following aspects are possible:

An aspect of forming a laminated structure having wound components, by winding a long positive electrode 5 and negative electrode 6, by interposition of the long separator between the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6;

An aspect of forming a laminated structure having stacking components, by alternatingly laminating, via the separator sheet, a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet, obtained by cutting the positive electrode 5 and the negative electrode 6 into a plurality of sheets having a constant area and shape;

An aspect of forming a laminated structure having stacking components, by alternatingly inserting the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet between long separators themselves, which had been wound in a zigzag shape.

Next, the non-aqueous secondary battery in the present embodiment can be prepared by accommodating the laminated structure inside the battery outer package 2 (a battery case), pouring the electrolyte solution pertaining to the present embodiment inside the battery case, immersing the laminated structure in the electrolyte solution, and encapsulating it.

Alternatively, the non-aqueous secondary battery 1 can be prepared by preparing, in advance, a gel state electrolyte membrane by impregnating the electrolyte solution in a substrate composed of a polymer material, forming the laminated structure having a laminated structure using a sheet-like positive electrode 5, the negative electrode 6, and the electrolyte membrane, as well as the separator 7, as needed, and then accommodating the laminated structure inside the battery outer package 2.

Shape of the non-aqueous secondary battery 1 in the present embodiment is not especially limited, and for example, a cylinder shape, an elliptical shape, a square tube type, a button shape, a coin shape, a flat shape, a laminate shape, etc., are suitably adopted.

In the present embodiment, when the non-aqueous electrolyte solution using acetonitrile is used, lithium ions released from the positive electrode at the first-time charging of the non-aqueous secondary battery may diffuse throughout the negative electrode, caused by high ion conductivity thereof. In the non-aqueous secondary battery, it is general that area of the negative electrode active material layer is designed Larger than that of the positive electrode active material layer. However, when lithium ions are diffused and occluded even at the area not opposing to the positive electrode active material layer in the negative electrode active material layer, the lithium ions remain at the negative electrode without being released at the first-time charging. Accordingly, extent of contribution of thus not released lithium ions results in irreversible capacity. From this reason, in the non-aqueous secondary battery using the non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile, there may be the case where the first-time charge-discharge efficiency decreases.

On the other hand, when area of the positive electrode active material layer is larger than or the same as that of the negative electrode active material layer, current concentration tends to occur at the edge part of the negative electrode active material layer, during charging, and lithium dendrite tends to generate.

Ratio of the entire area of the side of the negative electrode active material layer, relative to the area of the region where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, is not especially limited, however, from the above reason, it is preferably larger than 1.0 and below 1.1, more preferably larger than 1.002 and below 1.09, further preferably larger than 1.005 and below 1.08, and particularly preferably larger than 1.01 and below 1.08. The first-time charge-discharge efficiency can be improved by making ratio of the whole area of the negative electrode active material layer smaller, relative to the area of the region, where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer are opposing, in the non-aqueous secondary battery using the non-aqueous electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile.

Making the ratio of the entire area of the negative electrode active material layer smaller, relative to the area of the region where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, means to limit ratio of area of the portion of the negative electrode active material layer not opposing to the positive electrode active material layer. In this way, it is possible to maximally reduce amount of lithium ions occluded at the portion of the negative electrode active material layer not opposing to the positive electrode active material layer, in lithium ions released from the positive electrode at the first-time charging (i.e., the amount of lithium ions is irreversible without being released from the negative electrode at the first-time charging). Accordingly, by designing ratio of the whole area of the negative electrode active material layer within the range, relative to the area of the region, where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer are opposing, first-time charge-discharge efficiency of a battery can be enhanced, and further generation of the lithium dendrite can be suppressed, while maintaining enhancement of load characteristics of a battery by using acetonitrile.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show drawings to explain the “width of the non-opposing part of the negative electrode active material layer”, in the configuration of the present embodiment where the whole surface of the positive electrode active material layer opposes to the negative electrode active material layer. FIG. 3 is a drawing explaining the case where the electrode structure composed of the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator is the laminated electrode structure (the electrode structure composed by only laminating these). FIG. 3(a) shows the case where the positive electrode having a circular positive electrode active material layer 50 in a plan view, and the negative electrode having a circular negative electrode active material layer 60 in a plan view face each other. FIG. 3(b) shows the case where the positive electrode having a square positive electrode active material layer 50 in a plan view, and the negative electrode having a square negative electrode active material layer 60 in a plan view face each other. FIG. 4 is a drawing explaining the case where the electrode structure composed of the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator is a wound-type electrode structure formed by winding the laminated structure of these in a vortex state. In these drawings, the current collector of each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, along with the separator are not shown, in order to easily understand positional relation between the positive electrode active material layer 50 and the negative electrode active material layer 60. In FIG. 4, a part of the opposing area of the positive electrode active material layer 50 and the negative electrode active material layer 60 in the wound-type electrode structure is shown in a plain view.

In FIG. 3, the front side of the drawings (the upper side in a vertical direction to a paper face) is the negative electrode active material layer 60, and the one shown by a dotted line at the depth side is the positive electrode active material layer 50. The “width of the non-opposing part of the negative electrode active material layer” in the laminated electrode structure means distance, between the outer peripheral edge of the negative electrode active material layer 60 and the outer peripheral edge of the positive electrode active material layer 50, in a plan view (length “a” in the Fig.).

In FIG. 4 also, similarly as in FIG. 3, the front side of the FIG. 4 is the negative electrode active material layer 60, and the one shown by the dotted line at, the depth side is the positive electrode active material layer 50. A belt-shaped positive electrode and a belt-shaped negative electrode are used in formation of the wound-type electrode structure. This “width of the non-opposing part of the negative electrode active material layer” means distance between the external edge of the negative electrode active material layer 60 and the external edge of the positive electrode active material layer 50, in a direction orthogonal to a longer direction of the belt-shaped positive electrode and the belt-shaped negative electrode (length “b” in the FIG. 4).

In the case where arrangement of electrodes is designed such that an overlapped portion of the outer peripheral edge of the negative electrode active material layer and the outer peripheral edge of the positive electrode active material layer is present, or a too small portion is present at the non-opposing part of the negative electrode active material layer, deterioration of charge-discharge cycle characteristics in the non-aqueous secondary battery could occur by generation of positional displacement of the electrodes in battery assembling. Accordingly, it is preferable that, in the electrode structure used in the non-aqueous secondary battery, the positions of the electrodes are fixed using, in advance, tapes, such as a polyimide tape, a polyphenylene sulfide tape, a PP tape, or adhesives, etc.

The non-aqueous secondary battery 1 in the present embodiment is capable of functioning as a battery by the first-time charging. A method for the first-time charging is not especially limited. However, it is preferable that the first-time charging is carried out at 0.001 to 0.3 C, more preferable carried out at 0.002 to 0.25 C, and further preferable carried out at 0.003 to 0.2 C, in considering that the non-aqueous secondary battery 1 is stabilized by decomposition of a part of the electrolyte solution in the first-time charging, and to make effectively exerted this stabilization effect. It also provides a preferable result that the first-time charging is carried out via constant-voltage charging on the way. Constant current under which rated capacity is discharged for one hour is defined as 1 C. By setting a retention time longer in a voltage range (where the lithium salt is involved in an electrochemical reaction), SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interface) is formed on the electrode surface, suppression effect of increase in internal resistance including the positive electrode 5 is provided, as well as good effect is provided to the members other than the negative electrode 6 (for example, the positive electrode 5, the separator 7, etc.) in some form or other, without firmly immobilizing reaction products only at the negative electrode 6. Accordingly, it is very effective to carry out the first-time charging in consideration of the electrochemical reaction of the lithium salt dissolved in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.

The non-aqueous secondary battery 1 in the present embodiments can be also used as a battery pack where a plurality of the non-aqueous secondary batteries 1 are connected in series or in parallel. It is preferable that use voltage range per one battery is 2 to 5 V, more preferable 2.5 to 5 V and particularly 2.75 to 5 V, in view of management of a charge-discharge state of the battery pack.

Explanation was given above on the aspects for carrying out the present invention, however, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments. Various modifications of the present invention are possible within a range not to depart from the gist thereof.

EXAMPLES

Explanation on the present invention will be given in detail below, based on Examples, however, the present invention should not be limited to these Examples. Various types of evaluations were carried out as follows.

(1) Preparation of Positive Electrode

(1-1) Preparation of Positive Electrode (P1)

A composite oxide of lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt (LiNi_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)Co_(1/3)O₂, density: 4.70 g/cm³) having a number average particle diameter of 11 μm, as a positive electrode active material, graphite carbon powder(density: 2.26 g/cm³) having a number average particle diameter of 6.5 μm, and acetylene black powder (density: 1.95 g/cm³), having a number average particle diameter of 48 nm, as conductive auxiliary agents, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF; density: 1.75 g/cm³), as a binder, were mixed in a mass ratio of 100:4.2:1.8:4.6 to obtain a positive electrode mixture. To the resulting positive electrode mixture, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was added, as a solvent, so as to attain a solid content of 68% by mass, and further mixed to prepare positive electrode mixture-containing slurry. This positive electrode mixture-containing slurry was coated on one surface of an aluminum foil having a thickness of 20 μm, and a width of 200 mm, as a positive electrode current collector, by adjusting a base weight to 24.0 mg/cm², by a doctor blade method to dry and remove the solvent. After that, the positive electrode (P1) composed of the positive electrode active material layer and the positive electrode current collector was obtained by rolling them using a roll press, so as to attain a density of the positive electrode active material layer of 2.90 g/cm³.

(1-2) Preparation of Positive Electrodes (P2) and (P3)

The positive electrode mixture-containing slurry was prepared by mixing 96.8 parts by mass of the positive electrode active material described in TABLE 1, 2 parts by mass of acetylene black as a conductive auxiliary agent, 1 part by mass of polyvinylidene fluoride, as a binder, 0.2 part by mass of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, as a dispersing agent, and by further adding suitable amount of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to the mixture, to carry out mixing and dispersion using a planetary mixer. This slurry was coated on one surface of an aluminum foil having a thickness of 15 μm, in predetermined thickness, dried at 85° C., and further subjected to vacuum drying at 100° C. and then press processing to obtain a positive electrode having the positive electrode mixture layer on one surface of the current collector, when coating the positive electrode mixture-containing slurry on the aluminum foil, a non-coated region was formed, so that a part of the aluminum foil is exposed.

Next, by cutting this positive electrode, so that area of the positive electrode mixture layer is 30 mm×30 mm, and the exposed part of the aluminum foil is included, and by welding an aluminum lead piece for taking out current to the exposed part of the aluminum foil, positive electrodes (P2) and (P3) each having the lead were obtained.

Type of the positive electrode active material, coating amount, thickness and electrode density of the resulting positive electrodes (P2) and (P3) are shown in TABLE 1.

(1-3) Preparation of Positive Electrode (P4)

The positive electrode mixture-containing slurry (paste) was prepared by a similar procedure as in preparation of the positive electrode (P2) The resulting positive electrode mixture-containing slurry was coated on both surfaces of the aluminum foil (current collector) having a thickness of 15 μm, vacuum dried at 120° C. for 12 hours to form the positive electrode mixture layer on both surfaces of the aluminum foil. Next, after adjusting density of the positive electrode mixture layer to 3.15 g/cm³ by carrying out press processing, it was cut into predetermined size to obtain a belt-shaped positive electrode. In coating the positive electrode mixture-containing paste on the aluminum foil, a non-coated region was formed, so that a part of the aluminum foil is exposed. At this time, the rear area of the coated region of the front surface was also the coated region. Thickness of the positive electrode mixture layer of the resulting positive electrode (thickness per one surface of the aluminum foil, as the positive electrode current collector) was 63 μm, and coated amount (coated amount (base weight) per one surface of the aluminum foil, as the positive electrode current collector) was 15.0 mg/cm².

The belt-shaped positive electrode was cut out using a Thomson blade, so that a part of the exposed part of the aluminum foil (positive electrode current collector) is protruded, and a forming part of the positive electrode mixture layer is nearly square shape having a curved shape at the four corners to obtain the positive electrode for a battery (P4) having the positive electrode mixture layer on both surfaces of the positive electrode current collector. Here the protruded and exposed part of the aluminum foil functions as a tab part. FIG. 5 shows a plan view schematically representing the positive electrode for a battery. However, size ratio of the positive electrode shown in FIG. 5 is not necessarily coincident with the practical product, to make a structure of the positive electrode easily understandable.

The positive electrode 10 is a shape having the tab part 13, cut out so that a part of the exposed part of the positive electrode current collector 12 is protruded, and a shape of the formation part of the positive electrode mixture layer 11 is nearly square having a curved shape at the four corners, and each length of a, b, and c in the Fig. is 80 mm, 200 mm, and 20 mm, respectively.

TABLE 1 Name of Type of positive Coated amount Active material positive electrode active (base weight) Thickness Density layer formation electrode material [mg/cm²] [μm] [g/cm³] surface P1 LiNi_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)CO_(1/3)O₂ 24.0 — 2.90 One surface P2 LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O₂ 15.0 63.0 3.15 One surface P3 LiCoO₂ 20.0 63.6 3.90 One surface P4 LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O₂ 15.0 63.0 3.15 Both surfaces (2) Positive Electrode Immersion Test

An aluminum laminated bag was fabricated to a size of 2.7 cm×6 cm, in which the positive electrode cut out to a size of 23 mm×17 mm was included, and then 0.5 mL of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution prepared in each Example and Comparative Example was poured under inert atmosphere. At this time, it was confirmed that electrode surface was immersed in the electrolyte solution. After pouring the solution, the aluminum laminated bag was sealed, maintained at 60° C. in a longitudinally standing state, and stored for 10 days. After the storage, observation of the electrolyte solution and the surface of the positive electrode inside the bag was carried out. The case where generation of a gel-like substance composed of a salt of a complex cation composed of a transition metal and acetonitrile, as main components, was not confirmed was judged “o” (good), and the case where generation of the gel-like substance composed of the complex cation was confirmed was judged “x” (poor).

(3) Preparation of Negative Electrode

(3-1) Preparation of Negative Electrode (N1)

Graphite carbon powder(density: 2.23 g/cm³) having a number average particle diameter of 12.7 μm, and graphite carbon powder (density: 2.27 g/cm³) having a number average particle diameter of 6.5 μm, as the negative electrode active materials; and a carboxymethyl cellulose (density: 1.60 g/cm³) solution (solid content concentration: 1.83% by mass), and styrene-butadiene latex (glass transition temperature: −5° C.; number average particle diameter in a dried state: 120 nm; density: 1.00 g/cm²; dispersing medium: water; solid content concentration: 40% by mass), as a binder; were mixed in a solid content mass ratio of 87.2:9.7:1.4:1.7 to obtain a negative electrode mixture. To the resulting negative electrode mixture, water was added, as a solvent, so as to attain a solid content of 45% by mass, and further mixed to prepare slurry containing the negative electrode mixture. This negative electrode mixture-containing slurry was coated on one surface of a copper foil having a thickness of 10 μm, and a width of 200 mm, as the negative electrode current collector, by adjusting a base weight to 10.6 mg/cm², by a doctor blade method and the solvent was removed by drying. After that, the negative electrode (N1) composed of the negative electrode active material layer and the negative electrode current collector was obtained by rolling them using a roll press, so as to attain a density of the negative electrode active material layer of 1.50 g/cm³.

(3-2) Preparation of Negative Electrodes (N2) and (N3)

Slurry containing the negative electrode mixture was prepared by mixing 97.5 parts by mass of graphite, as the negative electrode active material; 1.5 part by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose, and 1.0 part by mass of the styrene-butadiene latex, as a binder; and by further addition of suitable amount of water to the mixture, and then carrying out sufficient mixing. This slurry was coated on one surface of the copper foil having a thickness of 10 μm, in constant thickness, dried at 85° C., and further subjected to vacuum drying at 100° C., and then press processing to obtain a negative electrode having the negative electrode mixture layer on one surface of the current collector. In coating the negative electrode mixture-containing slurry on the copper foil, a non-coated region was formed, so that a part of the copper foil is exposed.

Next, by cutting this negative electrode, so that area of the negative electrode mixture layer is 35 mm 35 mm, and an exposed part of the copper foil is included, and further by welding a lead piece made of nickel for taking out current at the exposed part of the copper foil, negative electrodes (N2) and (N3) each having the lead were obtained.

Coating amount, thickness and practical electrode density of the resulting negative electrodes (N2) and (N3) are shown in TABLE 2.

(3-3) Preparation of Negative Electrode (N4)

The negative electrode mixture-containing slurry (paste) was prepared by a similar procedure as in preparation of the negative electrode (N2). The resulting negative electrode mixture-containing slurry was coated on both surfaces of the copper foil (current collector) having a thickness of 10 μm, then dried to form the negative electrode mixture layer on both surfaces of the copper foil. Next, after adjusting density of the negative electrode mixture layer to 1.55 g/cm³ by carrying out press processing, and by cutting into predetermined size a belt-shaped negative electrode was obtained. In coating the negative electrode mixture-containing paste on the copper foil, a non-coated region was formed so that a part of the copper foil is exposed. This time, the rear region of the coated region of the front surface was also the coated region. Thickness of the negative electrode mixture layer of the resulting negative electrode (thickness per one surface of the copper foil, as the negative electrode current collector) was 69 μm, and coated amount (coated amount (base weight) per one surface of the copper foil, as the negative electrode current collector) was 9.0 mg/cm².

The belt-shaped negative electrode was cut out using a Thomson blade, so that a part of the exposed part of the copper foil (negative electrode current collector) is protruded, and a forming part of the negative electrode mixture layer is nearly square shape having a curved shape at the four corners to obtain the negative electrode for a battery (N4) having the negative electrode mixture layer on both surfaces of the negative electrode current collector. Here the protruded and exposed part of the copper foil functions as a tab part. FIG. 6 shows a plan view schematically representing the negative electrode for a battery. However, size ratio of the negative electrode shown in FIG. 6 is not necessarily coincident with the practical one, to make understanding of a structure of the negative electrode easy. The negative electrode 20 is a shape having the tab part 23, which was cut out so that a part of the exposed part of the negative electrode current collector 22 is protruded, and a shape of the formation part of the negative electrode mixture layer 21 is nearly square having a curved shape at the four corners, and length of d, e, and f in FIG. 6 is 85 mm, 205 mm, and 20 mm, respectively.

TABLE 2 Name of Type of negative Coated amount Active material negative electrode active (base weight) Thickness Density layer formation electrode material [mg/cm²] [μm] [g/cm³] surface N1 Graphite carbon powder 10.6 — 1.50 One surface N2 Graphite 9.0 69.0 1.55 One surface N3 Graphite 10.4 74.8 1.55 One surface N4 Graphite 9.0 69.0 1.55 Both surfaces (4) Assembly of Coin Battery

The positive electrode (P1) obtained as above was cut out into a disk-like shape having a diameter of 15.958 mm, and was set at the center of a CR2032-type battery case (SUS304/A1 clad), with the positive electrode active material layer upward. In this positive electrode, area of the positive electrode active material layer was 2.00 cm². A polyethylene microporous membrane (membrane thickness: 20 μm) and a polypropylene gasket were set thereon and 150 μL of the electrolyte solution was poured thereinto. After this, the negative electrode (N1) obtained as above was cut out into a disk-like shape having a diameter of 16.156 mm, and, was set with the negative electrode active material layer downward. In this negative electrode, area of the negative electrode active material layer was 2.05 cm². Further, after setting a spacer and a spring, a battery cap was fit and caulked using a caulking machine. The electrolyte solution overflowed from the battery case was cleanly wiped off with waste cloth. The battery case accommodating the laminated structure and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution was maintained under environment of 25° C. for 24 hours, and the electrolyte solution was sufficiently impregnated into the laminated structure to obtain a coin-type non-aqueous secondary battery (hereafter it may also be referred to simply as “coin battery”).

(5) Evaluation of Coin Battery

As for the coin battery obtained as above, firstly the first-time charging processing and measurement of the first-time charge-discharge capacity were carried out, according to a procedure of the following (5-1). Next, each coin battery was evaluated, according to procedures of the following (5-2) and (5-3). Charge-discharge was carried out using a charge-discharge apparatus ACD-01(trade name, manufactured by Asuka Electronics Co., Ltd.) and a constant temperature chamber PLM-63S (trade name, manufactured by Hutaba K.K. Co., Ltd.).

Here, 1C means current value where a full charged state battery is expected, to discharge completion for one hour in discharging under constant current. In the following description, it means current value where from a 4.2 V full charged state to discharge completion for one hour by discharging to 3.0 V, under constant current, is expected.

(5-1) First-Time Charge-Discharge Processing of Coin Battery

The coin battery was charged till attaining a battery voltage of 4.2 V under a constant current of 0.6 mA corresponding to 0.1 C, by setting an ambient temperature of the coin battery at 25° C., and then charged under a constant voltage of 4.2 V for 15 hours in total. After that, it was discharged to 3.0 V, under a constant current of 1.8 mA corresponding to 0.3 C. The first-time efficiency was calculated by dividing discharge capacity at this time with charge capacity. In addition, discharge capacity at this time was defined as initial capacity.

(5-2) Discharge Capacity Measurement of Coin Battery Under High Rate (Load Test)

The coin battery, which had been first-time charge-discharge processed by the method described in the (5-1), was charged up to a battery voltage of 4.2 V under a constant current of 6 mA corresponding to 1 C, and then charged under a constant voltage of 4.2 V for 3 hours in total. After that, it was discharged to a battery voltage of 3.0 V, under a constant current of 6 mA corresponding to 1 C. Discharge capacity this time was defined as “A”. Next, after charging up to a battery voltage of 4.2 V under a constant current of 6 mA corresponding to 1 C, charging was carried out under a constant voltage of 4.2 V for 3 hours in total. After that, discharge was carried out to a battery voltage of 3.0 V under a constant current of 30 mA corresponding to 5 C. Discharge capacity at this time was defined as “B”. The following value was calculated as load test measurement value (capacity retention rate). Capacity retention rate=100×B/A[%] (5-3) Full-Charged Storage Test at 60° C. of Coin Battery

As for the coin battery, which had been first-time charge-discharge processed by the method described in the (5-1), durability performance was evaluated in the case of being stored in a full charged state at 60° C. Firstly, the coin battery was charged to attain a battery voltage of 4.2 V under a constant current of 6 mA corresponding to 1 C, by setting ambient temperature of the coin battery at 25° C., and then charged under a constant voltage of 4.2 V for 3 hours in total. Next this coin battery was stored in a constant temperature chamber at 60° C. for 30 days. After that, ambient temperature of the coin battery was returned to 25° C. to measure battery voltage. The case where battery voltage was maintained at 3.0 V or higher was judged “o” (good), and the case where battery voltage was below 3.0 V, caused by short circuit, was judged “x” (poor)

(6) Assembly of Single-Layered Laminate Battery

The positive electrode (P2) and the negative electrode (N2) after cutting out, or the positive electrode (P3) and the negative electrode (N3) after cutting out were overlapped via a polyethylene microporous membrane separator (thickness: 18 μm) to obtain a laminated electrode structure, and this laminated electrode structure was accommodated inside an outer packaging structure made of an aluminum laminated sheet, having a size of 90 mm×80 mm. Subsequently, after pouring the electrolyte solution into the outer packaging structure, the outer packaging structure was sealed to prepare a single-layered laminate-type non-aqueous secondary battery having the appearance shown in FIG. 1 and the cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 2 (hereafter it may also be referred to simply as “single-layered laminate battery”). This single-layered laminate battery has a rated current value of 25 mAh, and a rated voltage value of 4.2 V.

(7) Assembly of Multi-Layered Laminate Battery

A laminated electrode structure was formed using 20 pieces of the positive electrode for a battery (P4) formed with the positive electrode mixture layer on both surfaces of the positive electrode current collector, and 21 pieces of the negative electrode for a battery (N4) formed with the negative electrode mixture layer on both surfaces of the negative electrode current collector. The laminated electrode structure uses the negative electrode for a battery, as both of the upper and lower ends, and alternatively arranges the positive electrode for a battery and the negative electrode for a battery between the upper and lower ends by interposing a separator (a separator made of a microporous polyethylene film; a thickness of 20 μm), and tab parts of both positive electrodes and tab parts of both negative electrodes were each welded.

Next, an aluminum laminated film having a thickness of 150 μm, a width of 130 mm, and a height of 230 mmm, was shaped to have a pit such that the laminated electrode structure can be accommodated in the aluminum laminated film. The laminated electrode structure was inserted into the pit, and another aluminum laminated film (not formed with a pit) having the same size as the above film was put thereon to heat-weld at the three sides of both of the aluminum laminated films. Then the non-aqueous electrolyte solution was poured from the remaining one side of both aluminum laminated films. After that, a multi-layered laminate-type non-aqueous secondary battery (hereafter it may also be referred to simply as “multi-layered laminate battery”) was prepared by heat-sealing the remaining one side of both aluminum laminated films under vacuum. This multi-layered laminate battery has a rated current value of 15 Ah, and a rated voltage value of 4.2 V.

Each positive electrode of the laminated electrode structure was integrated by welding both tab parts, and the integrated part of the welded tab parts was connected with positive electrode external terminal inside the battery. Similarly, each negative electrode of the laminated electrode structure was also integrated by welding both tab parts, and the integrated part of the welded tab parts was connected with negative electrode external terminal inside the battery. The positive electrode external terminal and the negative electrode-external terminal were drawn at one terminal side to the outside of the outer packaging structure using aluminum laminated films, so as to be connectable with an external device, etc.

(8) Evaluation of Single-Layered Laminate Battery and Multi-Layered Laminate Battery

As for the single-layered laminate battery and the multi-layered laminate battery obtained as above, firstly load characteristics was evaluated, according to a Procedure of the following (8-1). Next, as for the single-layered laminate battery, storage characteristics in full charge at 60° C. was evaluated, according to a procedure of the following (8-2), and as for the multi-layered laminate battery, charge-discharge DCR (direct current internal resistance) was evaluated, according to a procedure of (8-3).

(8-1) Load Characteristics (Charge-Discharge Capacity Retention Rate)

As for each laminate battery obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples, constant current charging was carried out to 4.2 V at 23° C. under a current value of 0.2 C, and then constant voltage charging was carried out at 4.2 V till attaining a current value of 0.1 C to measure charging capacity (0.2 C charging capacity). Next, as for each laminate battery after charging, discharging was carried out under constant current at a current value of 0.2 C, till attaining 2.5 V to measure 0.2 C discharging capacity.

Next, each laminate battery after measurement of the 0.2 C discharging capacity was subjected to constant current-constant voltage charging, and constant current discharging, under the same conditions as in the 0.2 C charge-discharge capacity measurement, except for changing current value in constant current charging and constant current discharging to each 2 C.

Then discharge capacity retention rate, and charge capacity retention rate were obtained, as a value obtained by dividing 0.2 C discharging capacity with 2 C discharging capacity, and as a value obtained by dividing 0.2 C charging capacity with 2 C charging capacity, respectively, and they were shown in percentage.

(8-2) Full-Charged Storage Test at 60° C.

As for each laminate battery obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples, constant current charging was carried out at 25° C. under a current value of 1 C, till attaining 4.2 V, and subsequently constant voltage charging was carried out under 4.2 V till attaining a current value of 0.1 C. Next, each laminate battery after charging in this way was stored in a constant temperature chamber at 60° C. for 30 days. After that, each laminate battery was taken out from the constant temperature chamber and returned to room temperature, and then presence or absence of short circuit was measured, and the case where short circuit was not generated was judged “o (full-charge storage characteristics at 60° C. was good)”, and the case where short circuit was generated was judged “x (full-charge storage characteristics at 60° C. was poor)”.

(8-3) Load, Test (Measurement of Charge-Discharge DCR (Direct Current Internal Resistance))

As for each laminated battery obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples, constant current charging was carried out at 25° C. for 30 minutes under a current value of 1 C, and then discharge was carried out for 10 seconds under a current value of 1 C, to measure voltage decreased for 10 seconds from start of the discharge: ΔV₁.

Next, constant current charging under the above condition and constant current discharging under a current value of 2 C were carried out in this order to similarly measure voltage decreased for 10 seconds from start of discharge under a constant current of 2 C: ΔV₂, and DCR was calculated by the following equation. DCR(mΩ)=(ΔV ₂ −ΔV ₁)/(current value of 2C−current value of 1C)

Example 1

A mixed solvent composed of 830 mL of acetonitrile and 170 mL of vinylene carbonate was prepared, as a non-aqueous solvent, under inert atmosphere, and 1.3 mol of LiPF₆ and 0.1 mol of LiBOB were dissolved in the mixed solvent. Next, 0.1 part by mass of pyridine, which is the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound, was added as additives, relative to 100 parts by mass of the mixed solvent to obtain an electrolyte solution (S11). As for this electrolyte solution (S11), the positive electrode immersion test was carried out by the method described in the above item (2).

Comparative Example 1, Examples 2 to 4, and Comparative Example 2

Each of electrolyte solutions (S12 to S16) was obtained similarly as in Example 1, except for setting composition of the non-aqueous solvent, and the type and addition amount of the additives (the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound), as described each in TABLE 3. As for these electrolyte solutions, the positive electrode immersion test was carried out by the method described in the (2).

Composition of the electrolyte solutions and evaluation results in Example 1 to Example 4, and Comparative Example 1 to Comparative Example 2 are shown in the following TABLE 3.

TABLE 3 Composition of Mol number Additives non-aqueous relative to 1 L Addition Positive solvent of non-aqueous amount electrode Electrolyte [mL] solvent. [Parts immersion solution No. AN PC VC ES LiPF₆ LiBOB Type by mass*] test Ex. 1 S11 830 — 170 — 1.3 0.1 pyridine 0.1 ∘ Comp. S12 830 — 170 — 1.3 0.1 — — x Ex. 1 Ex. 2 S13 830 — 170 — 1.3 0.1 pyridine 10 ∘ Ex. 3 S14 830 — 170 — 1.3 0.1 tert-butylpyridine 5 ∘ Ex. 4 S15 470 380 110 40 1.3 0.1 pyridine 0.1 ∘ Comp. S16 470 380 110 40 1.3 0.1 — — x Ex. 2 *Addition amount of the additives is amount (parts by mass), relative to 100 parts by mass of parts where the additives are excluded from the total amount of electrolyte solution.

Abbreviations in the non-aqueous solvent column of TABLE 3 each have the following meanings:

AN: acetonitrile

PC: propylene carbonate

DEC: diethyl carbonate

VC: vinylene carbonate

ES: ethylene sulfite

EC: ethylene carbonate

EMC: ethyl methyl carbonate

Abbreviations in Table 4 to Table 6 are also the same as above.

In the electrolyte solution containing the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt and significant amount of acetonitrile, generation of a dark brown, gel-like substance was confirmed in Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 which do not contain the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound. This gel-like substance has been revealed, from analysis result, as the one containing a complex cation composed of a transition metal and acetonitrile. On the other hand, even in the electrolyte solution containing the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt and significant amount of acetonitrile, generation of the dark brown gel-like substance was not confirmed in Example 1 to Example 4 containing the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound.

From these results, it has been revealed that the addition of the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound greatly contributes to high-temperature durability, in the electrolyte solution containing the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt and significant amount of acetonitrile.

Example 5

The positive electrode (P1) and the negative electrode (N1), prepared as above, as well as the electrolyte solution (S15) prepared in Example 4, were combined to prepare a coin battery, according to the method described in the (4). As for this coin battery, the first-time charge-discharge processing was carried out, according to the method described in the (5-1) to carry out discharge capacity measurement and the storage test by the methods described in the (5-2) and (5-3).

Comparative Example 3

A coin battery was prepared similarly as in Example 5, except for using the (S16) which had been prepared in the Comparative Example 2, as the electrolyte solution. As for this coin battery, the first-time charge-discharge processing was carried out, according to the method described in the (5-1) to carry out discharge capacity measurement and the storage test by the methods described in the (5-2) and (5-3).

Comparative Example 4

A mixed solvent composed of 300 mL of ethylene carbonate and 700 mL of ethyl methyl carbonate, as the non-aqueous solvents, was prepared under inert atmosphere, and 1.0 mol of LiPF₆ was dissolved in the mixed solvent to obtain an electrolyte solution (S17).

A coin battery was prepared similarly as in Example 5, except for using the electrolyte solution (S17). As for this coin battery, the first-time charge-discharge processing was carried out, according to the method described in the (5-1) to carry out discharge capacity measurement and the storage test by the methods described in the (5-2) and (5-3).

Evaluation results of Example 5, Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example 4 are shown in the following TABLE 4.

TABLE 4 Initial Load Composition of Mol number Additives charge- test Full- non-aqueous relative to 1 L Addition discharge Capacity charge solvent of non-aqueous amount First-time retentionat storage Electrolyte [mL] solvent [parts efficiency rate test solution No. AN PC VC ES EC EMC LiPF₆ LiBOB Type by mass*] [%] [%] at 60° C. Ex. 5 S15 47 38 11 4 — — 1.3 0.1 pyridine 0.1 85.5 60.0 ∘ Comp. S16 47 38 11 4 — — 1.3 0.1 — — 85.5 60.0 x Ex. 3 Comp. S17 — — — — 30 70 1.0 — — — 86.0 16.1 ∘ Ex. 4 *Addition amount of the additives is amount (parts by mass), relative to 100 parts by mass of parts where the additives are excluded from the total amount of electrolyte solution.

From comparison between Example 5 and Comparative Example 4, it has been confirmed that capacity retention rate in the load test is significantly enhanced in the case of using the electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile, as compared with the case of using the electrolyte solution not containing acetonitrile.

According to Comparative Example 3, short circuit was observed within 30 days in the storage test, in the case where the non-aqueous solvent contains significant amount of acetonitrile. On the contrary, short circuit was not confirmed at least within 30 days in the storage test, in the case of Example 5, where the electrolyte solution containing the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt and the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound were used, even though the content of acetonitrile in the non-aqueous solvent is 30% by volume or more.

Example 6

An electrolyte solution (S18) was obtained similarly as in Example 1, except for setting composition of the non-aqueous solvent, and the type and, addition amount of the additives (the nitrogen-containing cyclic compound), as described each in TABLE 5.

A single-layered laminate battery was prepared, according to the method described in the (6), by combining the positive electrode (P2) and the negative electrode (N2) prepared as above, with the electrolyte solution (S18). As for this single-layered laminate battery, the load characteristics (charge-discharge capacity retention rate) test and the full charge test at 60° C. were carried out by the methods described in the (8-1) and (8-2).

Example 7

A single-layered laminate battery was prepared, similarly as in Example 6, except for using the positive electrode (P3), and the negative electrode (N3), as the positive electrode, and the negative electrode, respectively. As for this single-layered laminate battery, the load characteristics (charge-discharge capacity retention rate) test and the full charge test at 60° C. were carried out by the methods described in the (8-1) and (8-2).

Comparative Example 5

A mixed solvent composed of 300 mL of ethylene carbonate and 700 mL of diethyl carbonate, as the non-aqueous solvents, was prepared under inert atmosphere, and 1.2 mol of LiPF₆ was dissolved in the mixed solvent, and further vinylene carbonate was dissolved in the mixed solvent, so as to attain an amount of 1.5% by mass of vinylene carbonate and obtain an electrolyte solution (S19).

A single-layered laminate battery was prepared similarly as in Example 6, except for using the electrolyte solution (S19). As for this laminate battery, the load characteristics (charge-discharge capacity retention rate) test and the full charge test at 60° C. were carried out by the methods described in the (8-1) and (8-2).

Comparative Example 6

A single-layered laminate battery was prepared similarly as in Example 7, except for using the electrolyte solution (S19). As for this laminate battery, the load characteristics (charge-discharge capacity retention rate) test and the full charge test at 60° C. were carried out by the methods described in the (8-1) and (8-2).

Battery configurations and evaluation results in Examples 6 and 7, as well as Comparative Examples 5 and 6 are shown in the following TABLE 5.

TABLE 5 Initial Composition of Mol number Additives charge- Load test Full- non-aqueous relative to 1 L Addition discharge Discharge Charge charge solvent of non-aqueous amount First-time capacity capacity storage Electrode [mL] solvent [Parts efficiency retention retention test P N AN EC VC ES DEC LiPF₆ LiBOB Type by mass*] [%] rate [%] rate [%] at 60° C. Ex. 6 P2 N2 47 — 11 4 38 1.3 0.1 pyridine 0.1 78 93 92 ∘ Ex. 7 P3 N3 47 — 11 4 38 1.3 0.1 pyridine 0.1 83 93 86 ∘ Comp P2 N2 — 30 — — 70 1.2 — VC 1.5 80 89 84 ∘ Ex. 5 Comp. P3 N3 — 30 — — 70 1.2 — VC 1.5 83 78 72 ∘ Ex. 6 *Addition amount of the additives is amount (parts by mass), relative to 100 parts by mass of parts where the additives are excluded from the total amount of electrolyte solution.

Example 8

A multi-layered laminate battery was prepared, according to the method described in the (7), by combining the positive electrode (P4) and the negative electrode (N4) prepared as above, with the electrolyte solution (S18). As for this multi-layered laminate battery, the load characteristics (charge-discharge capacity retention rate) test and the load test (charge-discharge DCR measurement) were carried out by the methods described in the (8-1) and (8-3).

Comparative Example 7

A multi-layered laminate battery was prepared similarly as in Example 8, except for using the electrolyte solution (S19). As for this multi-layered laminate battery, the load characteristics (charge-discharge capacity retention rate) test and the load test (charge-discharge DCR measurement) were carried out by the methods described in the (8-1) and (8-3).

Battery configurations and evaluation results in Example 8 and Comparative Example 7 are shown in the following TABLE 6.

TABLE 6 Initial Composition of Mol number Additives charge- Load test non-aqueous relative to 1 L Addition discharge Discharge solvent of non-aqueous amount First-time capacity Discharge Charge Electrode [mL] solvent [parts efficiency retention DCR DCR P N AN EC VC ES DEC LiPF₆ LiBOB Type by mass*] [%] rate [%] [mΩ] [mΩ] Ex. 8 P4 N4 47 — 11 4 38 1.3 0.1 pyridine 0.1 82 98 2.73 2.70 Comp. P4 N4 — 30 — — 70 1.2 — VC 1.5 82 98 3.80 3.93 Ex. 7 *Addition amount of the additives is amount (parts by mass), relative to 100 parts by mass of parts where the additives are excluded from the total amount of electrolyte solution.

In general, a multi-layered laminate battery having large capacity tends to generate uneven potential on the electrode surface, and has a serious problem of gas generation. However, it has been demonstrated that the multi-layered laminate battery of Example 8 operates without any problem and also solves a problem in scale-up, which had not been confirmed in a small-size single-layered laminate battery evaluation.

From comparison between Example 8 and Comparative Example 7, it has been confirmed that DCR in the load test was significantly reduced in the case of using the electrolyte solution containing acetonitrile, as compared with the case of using the electrolyte solution not containing acetonitrile.

From the above results, it has been verified that the non-aqueous secondary battery using the electrolyte solution in the present embodiment attains high rate characteristic while maintaining high-temperature durability performance comparable to the case of using an existing electrolyte solution.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention is applicable to a mobile device, for example, a mobile phone, a mobile audio device, a personal computer, IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, etc.; an automotive battery for a hybrid car, a plug-in hybrid car, an electric car, etc.; a battery system for housing; etc.

LIST OF SYMBOLS

-   1 non-aqueous secondary battery -   2 battery outer package -   3 positive electrode external terminal -   4 negative electrode external terminal -   5 positive electrode -   5A positive electrode active material -   5B positive electrode current collector -   6 negative electrode -   6A negative electrode active material -   6B negative electrode current collector -   7 separator -   10 positive electrode -   11 positive electrode mixture layer -   12 positive electrode current collector -   13 tab portion -   20 negative electrode -   21 negative electrode mixture layer -   22 negative electrode current collector -   23 tab portion 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprising: a non-aqueous solvent containing 30 to 100% less by volume of acetonitrile; a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt; and pyridine, wherein a content of pyridine is 0.01 to 10% by mass, relative to the total amount of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.
 2. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte solution contains pyridine and 4-(tert-butyl)pyridine.
 3. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim 1, wherein the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt contains LiPF₆.
 4. A non-aqueous secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of another current collector; and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim
 1. 5. The non-aqueous secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, and ratio of the entire area of the surface of the side of the negative electrode active material layer opposing to the positive electrode active material layer, relative to the area of the region where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, is larger than 1.0 and below 1.1.
 6. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim 2, wherein a total content of pyridine and 4-(tert-butyl)pyridine is 0.01 to 10% by mass, relative to the total amount of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.
 7. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim 2, wherein the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt contains LiPF₆.
 8. A non-aqueous secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of another current collector; and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim
 2. 9. A non-aqueous secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of another current collector; and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim
 3. 10. The non-aqueous secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein a content of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt is 0.2 mol or more and 2.8 mol or less, relative to 1 L of the non-aqueous solvent.
 11. A non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprising: a non-aqueous solvent containing 30 to 100% less by volume of acetonitrile; a fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt; and a compound represented by following general formula (1):

wherein substituents represented by R¹, R², and R³ are each independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl group, cyclohexyl group, nitrile group, nitro group, amino group, N,N′-dimethylamino group, or N,N′-diethylamino group, and two or more among the substituents are hydrogen atoms, wherein a content of the compound represented by general formula (1) is 0.01 to 10% by mass, relative to the total amount of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution.
 12. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim 11, wherein the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt contains LiPF₆.
 13. A non-aqueous secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of another current collector; and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim
 11. 14. The non-aqueous secondary battery according to claim 13, wherein the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, and ratio of the entire area of the surface of the side of the negative electrode active material layer opposing to the positive electrode active material layer, relative to the area of the region where the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer face each other, is larger than 1.0 and below 1.1.
 15. A non-aqueous secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of another current collector; and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim
 11. 16. A non-aqueous secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer containing at least one transition metal element selected from Ni, Mn, and Co, on one surface or both surfaces of a current collector; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer on one surface or both surfaces of another current collector; and the non-aqueous electrolyte solution according to claim
 12. 17. The non-aqueous secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein a content of the fluorine-containing inorganic lithium salt is 0.2 mol or more and 2.8 mol or less, relative to 1 L of the non-aqueous solvent. 